How to Find a Stuntman Job in Hollywood

Working as a Hollywood stuntman is a job quite unlike no other.

The motion picture industry has been employing stuntmen since the beginning of movie making. Hollywood uses stuntmen to perform physical feats that a lead actor will not perform because of the danger. The life of a stuntman in Hollywood can be extremely exciting and exhilarating. You get to work on sets, rub shoulders with stars and complete some amazing acts. The path to stunt work in Hollywood is an unconventional one and requires a lot of ambition, some very hard work and a lot of luck.

Instructions

1. Determine your level of expertise as it pertains to stunt work. A background in extreme physical activity is very important. This can come in the form of athletics, military training, martial arts or recreational daredevil feats. If you do not believe your background is sufficient, enroll in a stunt school to receive training from the experts such as Hollywood Stunts.

2. Prepare a headshot and resume. The resume will appear on the back of your headshot. It should include your name, height, weight, hair color and eye color. List any acting credits you have. Separate them by film, television and theater. Emphasize your physical background. Technically, you are producing an actor's resume, but you will use it to acquire stunt work. Create a "Special Skills" section where you list all experience, skills and training related to stunts.

3. Submit your headshot and resume to agents. Attach a cover letter that informs them of your desire to do stunt work. An agent might be hesitant to send a stunt person out on acting auditions, but you may find one who is willing to submit your headshot to casting directors. Contact Central Casting and tell them that you are interested in background work. Begin working as an extra on film and television sets. Extra work is the quickest way for you to start working on a production.

4. Join the Screen Actors Guild. In order to work as a stuntman on any set, you must be a member of the Screen Actors Guild. There are two ways to become a member. Earn a principal speaking role in a SAG film, television show, commercial or video. This includes online SAG productions. You will gain "Taft-Hartley" status and are eligible to join SAG. If you are unable to acquire a principal speaking role, your other option is to do extra or background work. You must complete three days of SAG background work in order to be eligible to join the union. You will receive a voucher after each day of work.

5. Continue to seek work on sets in an actor's capacity, either in a principal role or as an extra. Locate productions that involve stunt work. Once you are on set, establish contact with the stunt coordinator. Inform him of your desire to work as a stuntman as well as your abilities and specialties. Networking on sets is an essential part of gaining work as a stuntman.

6. Speak up while you are on set. Let a stunt coordinator know that you are willing to help and would appreciate any opportunity to perform.

References

• Screen Actors Guild: Steps to Join
• Central Casting: Background Actors
• Job Monkey: Hollywood Stuntman Jobs
• Stuntman's Association of Motion Pictures
• Hollywood Stunts